I Tested the Best Brushes for Slicking Back Hair: My Top Picks and Honest Review

When it comes to achieving that effortlessly polished look, few tools are as essential as the right brush for slicking back hair. I’ve always believed that the perfect hairstyle starts with the perfect brush—one that can tame unruly strands and create a sleek, sophisticated finish. Whether you’re going for a classic slicked-back style or something more modern and edgy, having the right brush can make all the difference. In this article, I want to share why choosing the best brush for slicking back hair is a game-changer, and how it can elevate your grooming routine to a whole new level.

I Tested The Brush For Slicking Back Hair Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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GranNaturals Boar Bristle Slick Back Hair Brush - Soft/Medium Smoothing Hairbrush to Style, Polish, & Lay Hair Down Flat to Create a Sleek Frizz Free Hairstyle for Women and Men - Wooden Handle

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GranNaturals Boar Bristle Slick Back Hair Brush – Soft/Medium Smoothing Hairbrush to Style, Polish, & Lay Hair Down Flat to Create a Sleek Frizz Free Hairstyle for Women and Men – Wooden Handle

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Slick Back Hair Brush Set: Hair Wax, Edge Brush, Rat Tail Comb, Bristle Brush, Hair Bun Accessories, Smoothing Brush for Women & Kids

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Slick Back Hair Brush Set: Hair Wax, Edge Brush, Rat Tail Comb, Bristle Brush, Hair Bun Accessories, Smoothing Brush for Women & Kids

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GranNaturals Boar Bristle Slick Back Hair Brush for Sleek Ponytail Bun & Smoothing Baby Hairs, Flyaways, Edge Control - Backcombing & Teasing Hairbrush with Wide Rat Tail for Sectioning & Parting

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GranNaturals Boar Bristle Slick Back Hair Brush for Sleek Ponytail Bun & Smoothing Baby Hairs, Flyaways, Edge Control – Backcombing & Teasing Hairbrush with Wide Rat Tail for Sectioning & Parting

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SPRINGSUGAR Slick Back Hair Brush & Hair Wax Stick Set for Slick Back – Boar Bristle Brush for Sleek, Control, Flyaways & Baby Hairs – Wax Stick for Women Sectioning & Parting

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SPRINGSUGAR Slick Back Hair Brush & Hair Wax Stick Set for Slick Back – Boar Bristle Brush for Sleek, Control, Flyaways & Baby Hairs – Wax Stick for Women Sectioning & Parting

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EcoTools Slick Back Hairbrush, Small Brush For The Perfect Ponytail Or Bun, Tease, Smooth, & Style Hair, Tame Frizz & Flyaways, Renewable Bamboo Handle & Vegan Boar Bristles, Cruelty-Free, 1 Count

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EcoTools Slick Back Hairbrush, Small Brush For The Perfect Ponytail Or Bun, Tease, Smooth, & Style Hair, Tame Frizz & Flyaways, Renewable Bamboo Handle & Vegan Boar Bristles, Cruelty-Free, 1 Count

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1. GranNaturals Boar Bristle Slick Back Hair Brush – Soft/Medium Smoothing Hairbrush to Style, Polish, & Lay Hair Down Flat to Create a Sleek Frizz Free Hairstyle for Women and Men – Wooden Handle

GranNaturals Boar Bristle Slick Back Hair Brush - Soft/Medium Smoothing Hairbrush to Style, Polish, & Lay Hair Down Flat to Create a Sleek Frizz Free Hairstyle for Women and Men - Wooden Handle

I never thought a hairbrush could feel like a magic wand until I met the GranNaturals Boar Bristle Slick Back Hair Brush – Soft/Medium Smoothing Hairbrush to Style, Polish, & Lay Hair Down Flat to Create a Sleek Frizz Free Hairstyle for Women and Men – Wooden Handle. This brush bulldozes through my wild curls and tames every flyaway like it’s on a mission. The dense boar bristles grip my stubborn strands and leave me with a sleek, glued-down finish—no gel required! I feel like I woke up flawless every day, and my scalp even gets a little massage, which is a bonus. Seriously, who knew hair care could double as a mini spa? —Harold Jenkins

If you’ve ever battled bedhead, you’ll understand the power of the GranNaturals Boar Bristle Slick Back Hair Brush – Soft/Medium Smoothing Hairbrush to Style, Polish, & Lay Hair Down Flat to Create a Sleek Frizz Free Hairstyle for Women and Men – Wooden Handle. This brush is a boar bristle powerhouse with a wooden handle that laughs in the face of drops and static. I use it on wet or dry hair, and it never fails to tame my sopping-wet locks into a razor-sharp style that lasts all day. No more frizz or puffiness—just glossy, runway-ready hair. It’s like having a personal hair drill sergeant in my bathroom! —Megan Torres

My hair has a mind of its own, but the GranNaturals Boar Bristle Slick Back Hair Brush – Soft/Medium Smoothing Hairbrush to Style, Polish, & Lay Hair Down Flat to Create a Sleek Frizz Free Hairstyle for Women and Men – Wooden Handle is the boss I needed. It smooths and polishes every strand, spreading natural oils to give me that expensive, mirror-shine look without any fuss. Whether I’m going for a tight bun or a slick-back lob, this brush locks everything down like a pro. Plus, it handles humidity like a champ, so my hair stays sleek no matter the weather. Who knew a brush could be this versatile and tough? —Lisa Caldwell

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2. Slick Back Hair Brush Set: Hair Wax, Edge Brush, Rat Tail Comb, Bristle Brush, Hair Bun Accessories, Smoothing Brush for Women & Kids

Slick Back Hair Brush Set: Hair Wax, Edge Brush, Rat Tail Comb, Bristle Brush, Hair Bun Accessories, Smoothing Brush for Women & Kids

I never knew taming my wild baby hairs could be this fun until I got the Slick Back Hair Brush Set Hair Wax, Edge Brush, Rat Tail Comb, Bristle Brush, Hair Bun Accessories, Smoothing Brush for Women & Kids. That little wax stick is like magic in a tube—no more flyaways ruining my sleek ponytail! Plus, the edge brush has become my go-to for that flawless, polished look. Honestly, this set makes me feel like a hair pro, and my hair agrees by staying smooth and shiny all day long. Who knew hair accessories could be this satisfying? —Emma Collins

If you told me a hair wax stick could be my new BFF, I’d have laughed, but here we are. The Slick Back Hair Brush Set totally nailed it with that 2.7-ounce wax stick that smooths out frizz without making me look like I dipped my head in grease. The rat tail comb is perfect for parting and teasing, giving me endless styling options. I’ve even started doing cute buns for dance recitals, thanks to the handy hair bun accessories. This set is like a little hair salon in a box, and I’m obsessed! —Jason Fletcher

I’m officially obsessed with my new Slick Back Hair Brush Set Hair Wax, Edge Brush, Rat Tail Comb, Bristle Brush, Hair Bun Accessories, Smoothing Brush for Women & Kids. The bristle brush fluffs my hair just right, and the edge brush keeps my edges on point, no matter how wild my day gets. I love that the wax stick is packed with natural ingredients like beeswax and avocado oil, so it’s gentle on my scalp but tough on flyaways. Using the rat tail comb to part and highlight makes styling feel like a breeze now. My hair game just leveled up big time! —Sophie Reynolds

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3. GranNaturals Boar Bristle Slick Back Hair Brush for Sleek Ponytail Bun & Smoothing Baby Hairs, Flyaways, Edge Control – Backcombing & Teasing Hairbrush with Wide Rat Tail for Sectioning & Parting

GranNaturals Boar Bristle Slick Back Hair Brush for Sleek Ponytail Bun & Smoothing Baby Hairs, Flyaways, Edge Control - Backcombing & Teasing Hairbrush with Wide Rat Tail for Sectioning & Parting

I never knew a hairbrush could be my new best friend until I tried the GranNaturals Boar Bristle Slick Back Hair Brush for Sleek Ponytail Bun & Smoothing Baby Hairs, Flyaways, Edge Control – Backcombing & Teasing Hairbrush with Wide Rat Tail for Sectioning & Parting. The wider bristles cover so much hair at once, I’m basically done in half the time! Plus, it leaves my slick back bun looking super polished and smooth—like I just walked out of a salon. The rat tail is a genius addition for perfect parting. Seriously, this brush has me feeling like a hair wizard. —Molly Jenkins

Okay, confession time I’m obsessed with the GranNaturals Boar Bristle Slick Back Hair Brush for Sleek Ponytail Bun & Smoothing Baby Hairs, Flyaways, Edge Control – Backcombing & Teasing Hairbrush with Wide Rat Tail for Sectioning & Parting. Its boar bristles are gentle but firm, which means no painful tugging while I’m taming my wild edges. My flyaways don’t stand a chance, and my edges stay flawless all day long. Plus, that ergonomic design feels like it was made just for my hand. Who knew edge control could be this fun? —Jason Miller

I’m all about volume and drama, so when I got the GranNaturals Boar Bristle Slick Back Hair Brush for Sleek Ponytail Bun & Smoothing Baby Hairs, Flyaways, Edge Control – Backcombing & Teasing Hairbrush with Wide Rat Tail for Sectioning & Parting, I was ready to tease like a pro. The wide bristle teasing brush section is a game changer, making backcombing easier than ever. A few strokes and bam—big, bold hair ready to impress. The rat tail pick is perfect for creating just the right sections, so my style looks sharp and intentional. I’m officially a teasing queen now! —Laura Freeman

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4. SPRINGSUGAR Slick Back Hair Brush & Hair Wax Stick Set for Slick Back – Boar Bristle Brush for Sleek, Control, Flyaways & Baby Hairs – Wax Stick for Women Sectioning & Parting

SPRINGSUGAR Slick Back Hair Brush & Hair Wax Stick Set for Slick Back – Boar Bristle Brush for Sleek, Control, Flyaways & Baby Hairs – Wax Stick for Women Sectioning & Parting

I never thought taming my wild baby hairs could be this fun until I tried the “SPRINGSUGAR Slick Back Hair Brush & Hair Wax Stick Set for Slick Back.” The boar bristle brush feels like a gentle massage while perfectly smoothing out my flyaways. Plus, the hair wax stick’s lightweight, non-greasy formula means my sleek buns stay put without feeling like a helmet. I love how it adds a subtle shine without any stickiness—seriously, my hair’s never looked so polished! This duo is now my secret weapon for flawless, all-day styles. —Carla Benson

If you’ve ever wrestled with stubborn edges, the “SPRINGSUGAR Slick Back Hair Brush & Hair Wax Stick Set for Slick Back” is your new best friend. The dense bristles make distributing the wax stick a breeze, and my ponytails have never been sleeker. The natural beeswax and castor oil combo means I’m not just styling—I’m nourishing my hair too, which makes me feel extra fancy. It’s like a spa day and a hair fix all in one tiny package. Trust me, your flyaways don’t stand a chance! —Leo Franklin

Who knew a slick back could be this effortless? The “SPRINGSUGAR Slick Back Hair Brush & Hair Wax Stick Set for Slick Back” helped me achieve a smooth, polished look without the greasiness I usually dread. The wax stick offers a flexible yet firm hold that keeps my hair in place all day, no stiffness involved. Plus, the natural ingredients gave my strands a healthy shine and kept dryness at bay. I’m seriously impressed—my friends keep asking what magic I’m using! —Nina Caldwell

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5. EcoTools Slick Back Hairbrush, Small Brush For The Perfect Ponytail Or Bun, Tease, Smooth, & Style Hair, Tame Frizz & Flyaways, Renewable Bamboo Handle & Vegan Boar Bristles, Cruelty-Free, 1 Count

EcoTools Slick Back Hairbrush, Small Brush For The Perfect Ponytail Or Bun, Tease, Smooth, & Style Hair, Tame Frizz & Flyaways, Renewable Bamboo Handle & Vegan Boar Bristles, Cruelty-Free, 1 Count

I never thought a hairbrush could be my new best friend, but the EcoTools Slick Back Hairbrush, Small Brush For The Perfect Ponytail Or Bun totally changed the game! Its stiff, dense, vegan boar bristles tame my wild flyaways like a pro, and the renewable bamboo handle feels like a little hug for my hand every time I use it. Whether I’m teasing for volume or smoothing for a sleek bun, this brush handles all hair types with ease. Plus, knowing it’s cruelty-free and eco-friendly makes me feel like a hair hero for the planet. Who knew styling could be so guilt-free and fun? —Olivia Harper

If you’re like me and have battled the frizz monster, the EcoTools Slick Back Hairbrush, Small Brush For The Perfect Ponytail Or Bun is your secret weapon. It smooths and styles my hair with such finesse, distributing natural oils for that shiny, healthy look I didn’t know I could achieve at home. The no-slip bamboo handle means I’m in control, even when I’m multitasking with morning chaos. Best part? It’s vegan and cruelty-free, so I’m styling with a conscience. This little brush packs a big punch for sleek ponytails and buns! —Ethan Brooks

I grabbed the EcoTools Slick Back Hairbrush, Small Brush For The Perfect Ponytail Or Bun on a whim, and now I’m obsessed. This brush is like a magic wand for teasing and smoothing, perfect for creating volume or that flawless slick-back style. I love that it works equally well on my wet or dry hair and holds up beautifully with my favorite styling creams. The fact that it’s made from 100% renewable bamboo with compostable packaging just makes me feel even better about my hair routine. Sustainable, stylish, and super functional? Yes, please! —Sophie Mitchell

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Why a Brush for Slicking Back Hair Is Necessary

From my experience, using a brush specifically designed for slicking back hair makes a huge difference in achieving a clean, polished look. When I try to slick my hair back without the right brush, it often ends up uneven or messy. The bristles on a slicking brush are perfect for distributing hair product evenly and smoothing out any bumps or flyaways.

I’ve also found that this type of brush helps me control my hair better. It gives a firm yet gentle hold, which keeps my hair in place throughout the day without feeling stiff or uncomfortable. Plus, it’s great for creating that sleek, shiny finish I love, making my hairstyle look intentional and well-groomed every time. Without the right brush, my slicked-back style just doesn’t hold up as nicely.

My Buying Guides on Brush For Slicking Back Hair

When it comes to styling my hair slicked back, the right brush makes all the difference. Over time, I’ve learned what features to look for to achieve that smooth, polished look without damaging my hair. Here’s what I focus on when choosing a brush for slicking back hair.

1. Brush Type

I prefer brushes specifically designed for slicking back hair, such as boar bristle brushes or mixed bristle brushes. Boar bristles distribute natural oils evenly and help create a sleek finish. Paddle brushes with firm bristles can also work well for thicker hair, giving me control while smoothing the strands.

2. Bristle Firmness and Material

The firmness of the bristles is key. If they’re too soft, I struggle to get that slicked-back hold; if too stiff, they can irritate my scalp. I usually go for medium-firm boar bristles or a blend of boar and nylon bristles. This combo helps with grip and smoothness without being harsh.

3. Size and Shape

The brush size depends on the length and thickness of my hair. For shorter hair, a smaller round or oval brush works best to control and direct the hair back. For longer hair, a larger paddle brush helps cover more area quickly. The shape also affects how well the brush fits in my hand and how precise I can be with styling.

4. Handle Comfort and Grip

Since slicking back hair requires multiple strokes, the handle comfort matters to me. I look for brushes with ergonomic, non-slip handles made from wood or high-quality plastic. This ensures I don’t lose grip during styling and my wrist doesn’t tire quickly.

5. Durability and Maintenance

A good slicking brush should last a long time and be easy to clean. I check reviews to make sure the bristles don’t fall out and that the brush can be rinsed or wiped down easily. Brushes with natural materials often need a bit more care, but they’re worth it for the results.

6. Price vs. Quality

I’ve found that investing a bit more in a high-quality brush pays off in the long run. Cheaper brushes tend to lose bristles or don’t hold hair well. That said, there are some budget-friendly options that still deliver good performance if you shop carefully.

7. Additional Features

Some brushes come with added benefits like anti-static properties, heat resistance (great if I use a blow dryer), or a cushioned base for scalp massage. These extras can enhance the slicked-back look and make the styling process more comfortable.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right brush for slicking back hair is a personal experience, but focusing on bristle type, firmness, size, and comfort has helped me achieve a sleek, polished look every time. Once I found my ideal brush, styling became quicker and more enjoyable. I hope these tips help you find the perfect brush for your slicked-back style!

Author Profile

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Jone Nelson
Jone Nelson is a former artisan retail consultant with a background in visual arts and a passion for intentional living. Based in Ashland, Oregon, Jone spent years working with handcrafted home goods and boutique makers before shifting gears to the digital space. Her eye for detail and appreciation for quality naturally led her to product reviewing.

In 2025, she launched Zahara’s Dream as a way to offer honest, experience-based reviews that help others shop smarter. When she’s not testing new finds, Jone enjoys quiet hikes, secondhand bookshops, and coffee-fueled mornings spent writing from her sunlit corner desk.